CUERO - A multi-purpose fine arts auditorium continues to move closer to reality, and the public is invited to take part in the planning process.

A community meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday in the school district boardroom to discuss the project.

For 28 years, the Cuero/Dewitt Community Development Corporation has been fundraising and has collected more than $750,000 in donations mainly through its annual Christmas Tree project.

"Earlier this year, we went before the school board and asked about working together to build an auditorium," said Rick Wheeler, corporation president. "We will donate the money to the Cuero Education Foundation, which in turn can pass it on to the school district."

The facility is slated to be built on the high school grounds.

Wheeler said a fine arts auditorium was in the third phase of the school district's long-range building plans, following construction of the now completed high school and junior high school.

"We want input from the public on what they would like to see in an auditorium. It will be for both school district and community use," Wheeler said.